"No it wouldn't have, but then Killian would have just tried again some other way to take you out." PJ was a selfish asshole for feeling the way he did about being happy it wasn't Kam who got hurt, but he wouldn't apologize for it either.
"Yeah, maybe but still. It's not fair. Spencer could have died today." Kam stood up and banged his fist against the counter. "I mean what was Killian expecting to accomplish by doing that? Was he trying to kill me?"
"I don't know, and I don't want to know." PJ walked over to his mate and crushed Kam to his chest. He dipped his head, rubbed his nose into Kam's soft blond locks, and breathed in his sweet scent. "I'm just glad you're all right, baby. I don't know what I'd do if something were to happen to you."
"Back at ya, mate." Kam chuckled softly against PJ's bare chest. "I just feel so bad this had to happen to Spencer. He's a good guy who didn't deserve this."
"He didn't, but we can't change what has been done." PJ kissed Kam on the side of his head. "All we can do is move on."
They stood there clutching to each other. The room was quiet, and PJ just soaked in everything that was his mate.
"Can I ask you a question, PJ?" Kam asked.
"You can ask me anything, baby. What is it?" PJ stepped back, took Kam's hand, and led him to the living room.
"What would you say if I told you I didn't want to play baseball anymore?" Kam sat on the edge of the couch cushion, his elbows resting on his knees and fidgeting with his fingers.
"Is this because of today?"
"No." Kam shook his head. "I've been thinking about it, and I'm not sure I want to continue to play after college." Kam stood. "Hell maybe not even in college."
"You want to quit the team?" PJ was shocked.
"No." Kam blew out a heavy sigh, then turned to face PJ. "Maybe not quit, but I'm starting to see life doesn't revolve around me playing baseball."
"I get that, but do you really want to give up like that?" PJ stood and moved closer to Kam. "You've loved the game since you were a kid and played just as long. What brought this on?"
"Life changes, PJ." Kam took ahold of PJ's hand. "I was thinking that if I did get scouted to play ball after college then what? I live in some city, traveling every few days while you're here in Silver Creek coaching. And we'd be living apart again."
"Kam." PJ shook his head and reached out to wrap his hands around the back of Kam's neck. "It doesn't have to be one or the other." PJ hadn't really thought of what the future held for him and Kam. He just knew they'd be together.
"It doesn't, but I'm not asking you to give up coaching to follow me around if, by the grace of god, I get picked up by a team." Kam shrugged. "And another thing I'm not sure that's what I want to do with my life anymore. Hell I'm not sure becoming a cop is what I want to do."
PJ was taken by surprise by all this. He knew for a fact that Kam would be scouted by a team. The kid could play the game, but hearing that he didn't want to play and that he wasn't sure if he wanted to be a cop just floored PJ. He appreciated that Kam didn't want him to quit coaching but Kam shouldn't have to give up his dream to appease PJ.
"See that's just it, PJ." Kam wrapped his arms around PJ's waist. "We all have dreams of what we want out of life, and mine used to be playing baseball until I couldn't anymore, but after meeting you, I'm not sure I want that kind of hectic life. Plus … " Kam started to nibble on his bottom lip.
"What? Tell me."
"I think I might want to coach." Kam's cheeks flushed with heat as he said those words. He looked embarrassed. "I know it sounds silly, but a week ago I helped out at practice for my old high school. I've been back a few times to lend a hand, and damn, I love it. I love knowing I'm helping other people live up to their ability. It lifts me up in ways playing the game never has. Is that crazy?"
"No." PJ smiled. "I completely understand that. That's how I felt after my accident. Coaching is a very rewarding thing."
"See, that's what I'm saying. I'm also thinking about teaching." Kam shrugged. "Nothing against college sports, but I really enjoy helping out at the high school level. So I was thinking if I change my schedule around and get a degree in education, I could do both."
"You want to teach high school kids?" It was another surprising discovery but not really. "Is it because you're just a big kid yourself?" PJ teased.
"Sorta." Kam lowered his hands and grabbed PJ's ass. "But seriously. I loved high school, and helping Coach Clevenger this past week opened my eyes to what I really enjoyed, as crazy as that sounds."
"But are you sure you're wanting this for the right reasons, Kam?" PJ wanted to believe in what his mate said but he couldn't help but feel that Kam was doing this to make their relationship work. "Because let's face it Kam, it's not if but when you get picked up by a professional team. You don't have to let go of that dream so that we can be together. We're mates, and that will never change."
"But I'm not giving up on my dream, PJ." Kam rose up and kissed PJ's lips. "My dreams have just changed is all."
PJ brought his mouth down to Kam's and kissed him again and one thing led to another and they were naked lying on their bed in the bedroom. Kam straddled his hips and slammed himself onto PJ's thick length. The sounds of their moaning and heavy breathing had to be heard for miles around, and when they both finally came, a chorus of growls and roars shook the windowpanes.
When they were done PJ held Kam close to his chest, caressing his fingers up and down his mate's back. The soft snores rumbling up from Kam helped lull PJ to sleep. So many things have changed in their lives in a matter of days. PJ had faith in the future. The future they'd be building together.
PJ smiled as a part of him wondered if he and Kam could live together with them both being coaches and not rip each other's throats out. Time would only tell.
Epilogue
Six years later
"Babe, you ready to go?" PJ called out to Kam.
"Yes!" Kam flattened his hand down the front of his shirt, smoothing out any wrinkles. He heard PJ let out a low growl and spun around and headed toward the door. When he walked down the hallway and saw PJ standing by the front door looking down at his watch.
"You're going to be late." PJ pushed open the door for Kam to walk out ahead of him. "It's never good to be late for the first day of school."
"Well, duh." Kam rolled his eyes. "I've been teaching at the high school for four years now. I think I know the importance of being on time."
"Yeah, well, this year is different." PJ stepped in front of Kam to open the driver's side door to Kam's Jeep. "This is your first year as the head coach of the Silver Creek Bulldogs baseball team."
It had been six years since Kam met PJ and his life couldn't be better. For starters, they were finally able to live together, like really live together with everyone knowing about it. Granted, Kam had been staying at PJ's house all long, but they had managed to keep it a secret from everyone at Hemsworth while he was attending school.
Kam had graduated four years ago with a degree in education and was instantly offered a job at his alma mater, Silver Creek High School, teaching physical education and best of all he was given the position of assistant coach to the varsity baseball team. He had to thank his mate and old high school coach for that one. They'd never admit it, but he knew they put in a good word for him.
In the beginning, there were times that PJ questioned if Kam was really happy. He'd given up playing baseball professionally to become a teacher. But to Kam, he wasn't missing out on a single thing.
During his junior year, they made it to the College World Series but failed to make it to the championship game. But his senior year they did take home that honor. They bested Florida State in the best-of-seven final. It had been one of the happiest days of Kam's life. The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable, but in the end, it was just another game.
Kam had been scouted by the Kansas City Royals, but he turned their offer down, along with an offer from the Oakland A's. Baseball had been and always will be a big part of his life, but there were other things in life that were just as rewarding. Kam loved teaching and coaching and curling up in bed every night with his mate. If he had chosen to play professionally, he wouldn't be able to do any of those things.